Lenin Mausoleum in Moscow: Memorial Site and History

• The mausoleum is on the western side of Red Square.
• The published standard schedule lists opening hours of 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily except Mondays and Fridays.
• Admission is free; entry is via the Nikolskaya checkpoint.
• Identity checks and security screening of visitors and baggage may be carried out.
• Photography, filming, and video work inside require authorization from the Commandant’s Office.

After Lenin’s death in 1924, a wooden mausoleum was first erected on Red Square. It was later replaced by the present granite structure. The laying in state was part of the political response to Lenin’s death. Visitors to the site therefore see both a tomb and a testament to state memorial policy. Red Square forms the historic setting for this building.

After Stalin’s death in 1953, his body was also laid in state beside Lenin for a time. During de-Stalinization, Stalin was later buried by the Kremlin Wall. This change illustrates how public memory and its political staging can shift. The mausoleum also served as a reviewing stand during Soviet parades. Its history brings together burial, architecture, and state ceremonies, while the Moscow Kremlin forms a separate, neighboring memorial and museum area.

For the mausoleum, the Visitor Regulations of the Kremlin Commandant’s Office (information current as of October 27, 2026) list opening hours of 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily except Mondays and Fridays, with free admission. Entry is via the Nikolskaya checkpoint. Under the standard regulations, additional temporary access restrictions may apply.

Bags and daypacks are subject to specified maximum dimensions. Other luggage may be left in the storage facility in Alexander Garden. The FSO may verify visitors’ identities and screen visitors and their belongings using technical equipment. Allow time for this, and bring only baggage within the permitted size limits.

Photography, filming, and video work inside the mausoleum require authorization from the Commandant’s Office. Allow time for security checks and entry at Red Square.

The Moscow Kremlin is in the same historic center, but has its own entrances and visitor areas. Moscow is also easier to explore if you take into account the routes and time available between destinations. For a day in the city, you can combine Red Square with other museums in Moscow; a tight schedule should allow for security checks and separate entrances.

Allow extra time for getting around and for travel from Moscow’s railway stations. If visiting several places in one day, plan trips around the city according to the actual time required. Choose accommodation with convenient routes to your planned destinations. Note visiting days and baggage dimensions in your travel preparations, and combine personal preparations with security precautions.

The neighboring Kremlin Museums have their own entrances and visitor areas. Keep security precautions in mind for your entire trip.

Is the mausoleum open on Sundays?

Yes. The published standard schedule applies daily except Mondays and Fridays, so Sunday is included. Admission is free, and entry is via the Nikolskaya checkpoint.

What types of baggage are allowed inside?

Bags up to 400 × 300 × 100 millimeters and daypacks up to 450 × 350 × 200 millimeters are permitted. Larger or other pieces of baggage may be left in the storage facility in Alexander Garden.

Is photography allowed in the mausoleum?

Photography, filming, and video work inside require authorization from the Commandant’s Office.